10 Movies & Shows Similar to Prometheus (2012)

Description: Alien is similar to Prometheus as both are part of the same franchise and share the same director, Ridley Scott. Both films explore themes of space exploration, human hubris, and encounters with extraterrestrial life. The visual aesthetics of both films are dark, claustrophobic, and filled with suspense, creating a sense of dread and isolation.

Fact: The chestburster scene was kept secret from most of the cast to capture genuine reactions. H.R. Giger, the Swiss artist, designed the iconic Xenomorph. The film's tagline, 'In space no one can hear you scream,' is one of the most famous in cinema history.

Description: Blade Runner, also directed by Ridley Scott, shares Prometheus's philosophical themes about what it means to be human. Both films feature stunning visuals and a noir-inspired aesthetic. The exploration of artificial life and humanity's relationship with its creations is a central theme in both movies.

Fact: The film is based on Philip K. Dick's novel 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' The film initially underperformed at the box office but later became a cult classic. There are multiple versions of the film, including the Director's Cut and the Final Cut.

Description: The Thing, directed by John Carpenter, shares Prometheus's themes of paranoia, isolation, and the fear of the unknown. Both films feature a group of people trapped in a remote location, facing a terrifying extraterrestrial threat. The practical effects and body horror elements are also reminiscent of Prometheus's more gruesome scenes.

Fact: The film was a box office flop upon release but is now considered a classic. The special effects were created by Rob Bottin, who was only 22 at the time. The film is a remake of the 1951 film 'The Thing from Another World.'

Description: Aliens, directed by James Cameron, is a sequel to Alien and shares the same universe as Prometheus. While it leans more towards action, it still explores themes of corporate greed, survival, and the unknown. The film's depiction of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation ties directly into Prometheus's narrative about human ambition and its consequences.

Fact: Sigourney Weaver was nominated for an Academy Award for her role as Ellen Ripley. James Cameron wrote the script while working on Rambo: First Blood Part II. The film introduced the character of Newt, a young girl who forms a bond with Ripley.

Description: Event Horizon shares Prometheus's horror elements and themes of space exploration gone wrong. Both films involve a crew encountering something beyond human understanding, leading to psychological and physical terror. The dark, eerie atmosphere of Event Horizon is similar to the dread-filled scenes in Prometheus.

Fact: The film was heavily influenced by Hellraiser and other horror classics. The original cut was much longer and more graphic, but it was trimmed down for release. The film has since gained a cult following despite its initial poor reception.

Description: Sunshine, directed by Danny Boyle, shares Prometheus's themes of human survival and the dangers of space exploration. Both films feature a crew on a mission to save humanity, only to face unforeseen horrors. The visual style of Sunshine, with its bright yet oppressive lighting, contrasts with Prometheus's darker tones but still creates a sense of tension and awe.

Fact: The film's score was composed by John Murphy and Underworld. The script was written by Alex Garland, who also wrote '28 Days Later.' The film's scientific advisor was Dr. Brian Cox, a renowned physicist.

Description: Interstellar, directed by Christopher Nolan, shares Prometheus's grand scale and themes of exploration, human survival, and the unknown. Both films blend hard science with philosophical questions about humanity's place in the universe. The visual effects and cinematography in both films are breathtaking, emphasizing the vastness and danger of space.

Fact: The film's black hole, Gargantua, was rendered using actual scientific equations. Hans Zimmer's score was composed before the film was shot to inspire the actors. The film's depiction of time dilation is based on real physics.

Description: Blade Runner 2049, directed by Denis Villeneuve, continues the themes of its predecessor and shares Prometheus's focus on existential questions and stunning visuals. Both films explore the consequences of playing god and the blurred lines between human and artificial life.

Fact: Roger Deakins won an Academy Award for Best Cinematography for this film. The film's budget was around $150 million, making it one of the most expensive R-rated films ever made. Harrison Ford reprised his role as Rick Deckard after 35 years.

Description: Arrival, directed by Denis Villeneuve, shares Prometheus's focus on first contact with extraterrestrial life and the philosophical questions it raises. Both films explore communication, time, and the limits of human understanding. The slow, deliberate pacing and atmospheric tension in Arrival are similar to Prometheus's more contemplative moments.

Fact: The film is based on Ted Chiang's short story 'Story of Your Life.' The alien language was created by linguist Dr. Jessica Coon. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: Annihilation, directed by Alex Garland, shares Prometheus's themes of exploration, mutation, and the unknown. Both films feature a team venturing into a mysterious, dangerous environment where the rules of nature don't apply. The surreal, unsettling visuals and psychological horror elements are reminiscent of Prometheus's more disturbing scenes.

Fact: The film is based on Jeff VanderMeer's novel of the same name. The bear creature's screams were created using human voices. The film's ending was intentionally ambiguous, leaving much to interpretation.